Thunderbird open folder in tab when new messages arrive
I've used Eudora since Qualcomm initially created the software and have loved the old sucker. But I've also used TBird often to update Eudora OSE. I continue to use OSE because TBird will not open "new" messages to existing folders in a new tab. In other words, a new message comes in from "Frank", and the "Frank" folder opens in a new tab with Eudora OSE. Messages that do not have filters simply go into the "Inbox". I've searched high and low for years, even read old threads that address this specific feature. But none of the threads include a resolve - just "something" that "may" function in a similar fashion, but not the same. To me, since Mozilla has the rights to OSE, it would seem simple to include the code to do the same "open new messages in a new tab" as does OSE. I'd be happy to inject the code myself - if I could find the code that makes that work. Is there an add-on or extension or code that will provide the same functionality as OSE in opening a new message from "Frank" in "Frank's" folder tab? I'm not sure if I'm using the terminology that will "spark" the correct answer from support, but I'm willing to answer any questions necessary to get on the same page. Thanks.
All Replies (6)
This addon extension does facilitate folders opening in tabs, but I'm not sure if it is exactly what you are looking for, but it may assist.
Currently, have the options: Single click on new mail and with Message Pane enabled email will display in Message Pane below list.
Double click on email to select email and have the email open in a new tab instead of opening in a new window.
- 'Menu icon' > 'Options' > 'Options' > 'Display' > 'Advanced' tab
'Open messages in' :
- select 'new tab'
- click on OK
OR Right click on 'Frank' folder and select 'Open in a new tab' single click on email so it shows in enabled Message Pane below list of emails.
You could also set 'Frank' folder as eg: 'Favourite' folder and then swap the view to only show the 'Favourite folders'.
This is handy if you have a load of mail account or folders and need an instant less cluttered view perhaps showing only most used folders.
Toad-Hall Thank you for the attempt, but I know that TBird does most of that already.
What I'm trying to do specifically is, for "all" new mail that applies to existing filters, when a new message arrives for an existing folder (of which I literally have over 1,100 folders) , the new message "opens a new tab for the folder to which the new message has already been moved". That functionality keeps me from having to scroll through my list of more than 1,100 folders to find those indicating a new message.
Sometimes the folder is already open and, obviously, the message appears at the bottom of the list (per my settings).
But, if the folder is not open in a tab, I want that folder to open in a new tab when a new message arrives. Indicators are of no value. If I have to scroll through all my folders I'll just keep using Eudora OSE...although it has 2 issues 1. it doesn't handle newer security protocols for messages with attachments well. I throws an error when a logo is attached to something like an invoice from a utility company. And every time that message is opened the error comes up - twice. If I want to respond to the message I have to constantly hit the space bar (or pretty much any key) to get the error windows to disappear, but they come back after just a few keystrokes. It "used" to update when I'd close OSE, open TBird, then switch back. Then I wouldn't get the errors. But for whatever reason, that no longer works. So I'm "trying" to push myself into giving up on OSE. 2. Eudora OSE is just not as fast as Thunderbird...although I can handle that since the difference it noticeable, but not unusable.
With as many folders and E-mail accounts, clients, etc., that I have, it's a real pain to have to scroll through my extensive list of folders for new messages indicators. I just want the new message to pop open the folder in a new tab.
In the "Options" for OSE (Options > Extras which does not exist in TBird), the first option is, "Automatically open mailboxes that receive new unread messages". THAT is what I'm trying to add to Thunderbird.
Now since Eudora OSE is based upon Thunderbird, it just seems logical to me that the same functionality in OSE would become part of TBird.
That 1 feature has been requested for years from OSE (and older) users - including myself. But, as yet, Mozilla has not implemented that feature into TBird...I don't know why.
I'm well-versed at adding some code if someone provides the code and advises me where it needs to be added. Because Eudora OSE already does this, it would seem simple to add that function to TBird. Although Javascript from scratch is out of my wheel house.
I can only hope that someone will come along and detail how to add that function. Thanks for trying.
Mr. Garrison द्वारा सम्पादित
I can see your point as this is something you are used to seeing, but I'm not in favour of loads of opened tabs as that could end up with some not visible anyway and having to use the < > just to see all the tabs. I see no advantage when there are other options available already.
You mention you do not like scrolling though all the many folders to locate the ones with new/unread mail, this I can understand, but I'm not sure why you are doing this as there is a way to only show those folders that have new/unread mail.
I do the following and the Folder Pane then shows me only the folders that have unread mail. If the folder is blue then I know it also has new unread mail. This cuts out a lot of clutter and is so much quicker. via 'Menu Bar' toolbar: 'View' > 'Folders' > 'Unread' Or Via 'Mail toolbar' toolbar: 'Menu icon' > 'Folders' > 'Unread'
Toad-Hall द्वारा सम्पादित
Your suggestion to change the "view" is an "ok work around", but not a resolve.
I can see new messages easier in the changed view, but that doesn't help if I'm going back and forth trying to see the new messages, find one, then have to change the view to access a folder that does "not" have a new message in order to respond to a message that "is" new.
The number of additional tabs that get opened in a day from new messages are very few. So the "hidden tabs" consideration is pretty rare. If even a dozen tabs are opened during the day, those new messages are addressed when the message arrives and the folder closed - generally - which keeps the tabs from growing to a point where some are hidden.
It all boils down to a significant increase in time to find and respond to messages if I have to keep changing the view and still have to search.
I'm guessing that this option (which is part of Eudora OSE) makes no sense to those who do not have a significant number of folders, 17 different E-mail accounts (for various reasons), and hundreds of filters.
As I've also mentioned, I'm more than willing to drop in code (or write it) that will provide this function. I'm just not able to create the code nor know where it needs to be implemented. When you've worked with E-mail for more than 20 years doing things in a particular manner that has proven to be very effective, simple and time-saving, it's not simple by any stretch of the imagination to fall-back to cumbersome and time-consuming methods as the "new" way of dealing with E-mail.
Just a fly by comment.
OSE was never a product. it was Thunderbird 3 with the Penelope add-on. Qualcomm wiped their hands of the whole project shortly after launch, withdrew their developers and there it withered and died on the vine. I have looked for the add-on, it is about as visible as the Qualcomm support forums. Gone
I am sure the source is somewhere, this is the best I can do https://dxr.mozilla.org/mozilla/source/penelope
Historically I recall the add-on being a binary, something not supported in Thunderbird anymore, but that source all appears to be XUL and JavaScript. I am somewhat concerned that the add-on is not the complete source for OSE
But I am sure you are welcome to bring the add-on back to life for the modern world. The license appears to the the MPL unlike the word Eudora which is still owned by Qualcomm. I would suggest however that you start a project outside of the Mozilla infrastructure. Perhaps github would be appropriate.
The nostalgy theme contains a lot of Eudora shortcuts, but probably not the ones you want. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/nostalgy/?src=search
Hi Matt. Thank you for the input. I reviewed the add-on as well as a lot of other documentation and unfortunately, there is nothing related to opening a new tab if a folder has a new message (and the folder is not already open).
I've even gone so far as to review what it would take to write the code for TBird, but, it's over my head.
I don't supposed you know someone who writes JS in their sleep and could add that - do you? I even reached out to a couple of people through the forum, but I haven't had any response - and I contacted them when you initially replied here a few days ago.
I'm forcing myself to use TBird for the past week, but...old habits die hard.
Is the fact that TBird doesn't have that function something that was discussed and determined such a small percentage use that function it was not implement? Or is there another reason it's not a default function?
It just seem strange to me that in the many years I've seen the requests that there has never been a response from Mozilla about why it's not or will not be added.
Thank you for trying.